This and Related Reports

Of the 44.4 million Americans (21 percent of the nation’s adult population in 2003) providing unpaid care to someone age 18 or older, 476,000 live in Connecticut and represent 18 percent of that state’s adult population. This AARP telephone survey of Connecticut caregivers finds that:

Caregiving is a long-term endeavor requiring a significant time commitment:

28 percent have provided care for five years or more

7 percent say they provide constant care

19 percent spend 21 hours or more each week providing care

Almost all help with more than one Instrumental Activity of Daily Living (IADL), such as providing transportation (84 percent), going grocery shopping (74 percent), doing housework (67 percent), or managing finances (64 percent).

Nearly four in ten help with multiple Activities of Daily Living (ADL) such as assisting the care recipient with getting in or out of beds/chairs, helping them get dressed, and bathing.

As a result of caregiving, 57 percent of employed caregivers have gone into work late, left early or have taken time off to provide care, and 52 percent of all caregivers report having less time for family and friends.

This report is a replication among residents of Connecticut of the Caregiving in the U.S. survey. Surveying was conducted for AARP by Woelfel Research, Inc. between April 22nd and May 25th, 2004 with a random sample of 400 age 18+ Connecticut residents who had been caregivers within the past 12 months. Further information about the survey may be obtained by contacting Kate Bridges of AARP Knowledge Management at 202-434-6329. (42 pages)